Two witty one-act operas by the distinguished American composer Jack Beeson are given delightful performances.

Practice in the Art of Elocution, An operina for soprano and piano was adapted by the composer-librettist from The Standard American Speaker and Entertainer published in 1901, while Sorry, Wrong Number was adapted from the play by that name by Lucille Fletcher. Both of these witty one-act operas are given delightful performances by the cast and orchestra of the Center for Contemporary Opera. Beeson, inspired to write operas while still a teenager, has 10 operas to his credit, as well as music for orchestra, concert band, vocal and choral groups. In addition to composing, Beeson has had a distinguished career at Columbia University where he is the MacDowell Professor Emeritus of Music.

Review:

"...a much-needed addition to the American opera discography." (American Record Guide)

"There are many things to like about Jack Beeson...The stories are engaging, effectively structured, have a popular appeal, and are inhabited by interesting characters. The music is often conservatively tonal, but with enough dissonance or dodecaphony to unmistakably place it in the 20th century." (Fanfare)